Page 314 of Salt Between the Wolves

For a long moment she said nothing, and for the first time since she had known him, Soren seemed to forget how to breathe—not visibly, not enough for anyone else to notice, but she felt it, the same way she felt the quiet tension running through the bond, waiting and watching as if the world itself had paused to hear her answer.

Then Eira turned toward him.

"You never mentioned it."

A faint frown appeared.

"Mentioned what?"

"That the bond would kill you."

The wind seemed colder suddenly as Soren looked away first, toward the mountains, toward anything except her.

"It wasn't relevant."

Eira stared at him, and for a moment she honestly considered pushing him off the tower.

"It wasn't relevant."

"No."

The answer was infuriatingly sincere.

"You thought I should make this decision without knowing that?"

"Yes."

The word arrived without hesitation as his gaze returned to hers.

"You deserved a choice that belonged to you."

A muscle moved in his jaw.

"If the bond influenced that choice, then it wouldn't truly be yours."

For a moment neither spoke, and Eira felt something sharp twist unexpectedly inside her chest—not pain, not anger, but something worse, because he meant it.

He had stood beside her the previous night knowing exactly what her departure might cost him, and still he had said nothing—no bargain, no plea, no attempt to hold her, only freedom.

The realization settled heavily between them.

Then Eira stepped closer, and Soren's gaze followed her movement, nothing more, always giving her the space to choose, always waiting.

Her hand rose, and this time she did not stop as her palm settled against his cheek, warm skin beneath cool fingers.

She felt his breath catch once, then stillness.

The mountains stretched endlessly around them, the valley lay silent below, and suddenly none of it seemed as important as the man standing before her.

"You promised me a choice."

"I did."

"Even knowing what it could cost you?"

"Yes."

The answer came as steadily as ever.